Genome sequencing has confirmed the latest Queensland case of COVID-19 (a cleaner at a Queensland quarantine hotel), has the UK variant.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young has enforced restrictions to vulnerable facilities in Greater Brisbane as a precaution, while contact tracing efforts continue.
‘We’re taking a very cautious approach with this case, now that we know for sure this person has the UK variant of the virus,’ she said.
‘Evidence shows that this variant is 70 percent more infectious than other strains,’ said Dr Young. ‘This is why I’m taking this firm action swiftly, to protect our most vulnerable facilities.’
New restrictions in Brisbane
Dr Young said visitors will be restricted to aged care, hospitals, disability services and corrections facilities, and these restrictions are imposed immediately.
‘These restrictions apply to the Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service regions,’ she said.
‘And as always, anyone with any symptoms should come forward for testing immediately and isolate until they receive the results – especially anyone in Brisbane.’
Queensland Health advice is that anyone who has been to the locations below – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not – should get tested and isolate until they receive their result.
Critically, even if a negative test result is received, please continue to monitor for symptoms and get retested if necessary.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day. The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September. SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures. The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU. The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election. The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests. Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency. Today there are 41 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with none of these in ICU. The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) reports that there are 37 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.
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